How to Get from Roi Et Hotels to Roi Et Airport

Taxis and Grab are the most reliable and comfortable ways to reach Roi Et Airport from any hotel in the city. Both offer door‑to‑door service, air conditioning, and enough luggage space for suitcases, backpacks, or sports equipment.

💰 Price Range

• Street taxi (metered): 180–250 THB ($5–$7) — standard daytime fare.
• Street taxi (fixed price): 250–300 THB ($7–$8.50) — often quoted if the driver doesn't use the meter; always ask for "meter, please".
• GrabCar: 120–200 THB ($3.50–$5.50) — fixed fare shown in the app before booking.
• Late‑night surcharge (10 PM–6 AM): +50–100 THB ($1.50–$3) on both taxis and Grab.

⏱️ Travel Time

15–25 minutes from most hotels in the city center (e.g., Muang Roi Et district). Hotels on the outskirts (e.g., near Bueng Phlan Chai) may take 10–15 minutes.

📋 How to Book

1. Taxi: Ask your hotel front desk to call a trusted taxi, or wave one down on a main road. Show the driver your flight details or "Roi Et Airport" in Thai: สนามบินร้อยเอ็ด.
2. Grab: Download the Grab app, set pickup to your hotel, drop‑off to "Roi Et Airport," and confirm the fixed fare.

✅ Pros

• 24/7 availability — even for early‑morning flights (6 AM departures).
• Spacious trunk: fits 2–3 large suitcases plus carry‑ons.
• Air‑conditioned and private.
• No need to carry cash if you use Grab (credit card accepted).

❌ Cons

• Most expensive option (except car rental).
• Street taxis may refuse to use the meter; always agree on the price beforehand.
• Language barrier possible — have your destination written in Thai.

🎯 Best For

Business travelers, families, anyone with heavy luggage, and passengers with early‑morning or late‑night flights.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand — Roi Et transport guidelines; Grab Thailand fare estimates as of March 2025.

The tuk‑tuk is Thailand's iconic three‑wheeled motor rickshaw. In Roi Et, it's a cheap and cheerful way to cover the short distance to the airport, provided you're traveling light and don't mind an open‑air ride.

💰 Price Range

• Daytime (6 AM–6 PM): 80–120 THB ($2.50–$3.50) — after bargaining.
• Evening (6 PM–10 PM): 120–150 THB ($3.50–$4.50).
• Late night (after 10 PM): 150–200 THB ($4.50–$5.50) — fewer tuk‑tuks on the road.

⏱️ Travel Time

15–20 minutes — similar to a taxi, but can be slower if the driver takes a longer route to avoid main roads.

📋 How to Ride

1. Step outside your hotel and flag down a passing tuk‑tuk (they're common on Chotwitthayakun Road and around the bus station).
2. State "Roi Et Airport" (สนามบินร้อยเอ็ด) and agree on the price before you get in.
3. Pay cash only — tuk‑tuk drivers do not accept cards.

✅ Pros

• Authentic Thai experience — great for photos and memories.
• Very affordable for 1–2 passengers.
• Easy to find on main streets during the day.
• No booking needed — just flag one down.

❌ Cons

• No luggage space: only room for one small backpack or duffel per person. Large suitcases are difficult to fit.
• No weather protection: you'll be exposed to rain, sun, and dust.
• Less stable and safe than a car, especially at high speed or on uneven roads.
• Not ideal for early‑morning flights (before 6 AM) — very few tuk‑tuks operate at that hour.

🎯 Best For

Solo travelers or couples with minimal luggage, daytime flights, and anyone wanting a memorable local experience.

Source: Local transport survey by Tourism Authority of Thailand — Roi Et province, 2024.

The songthaew (literally "two rows") is a converted pickup truck with bench seats in the back — the most economical way to travel in Roi Et. It operates on fixed routes and can drop you near the airport entrance.

💰 Price Range

• Fixed‑route fare: 30–60 THB ($1–$2) per person — depending on distance.
• Charter (private hire): 150–200 THB ($4.50–$5.50) if you want the whole vehicle to yourself.

⏱️ Travel Time

20–30 minutes — includes occasional stops to pick up or drop off other passengers.

📋 How to Ride

1. Find a songthaew on a main route (look for white or red trucks with bench seats on Rob Muang Road or near the clock tower).
2. Tell the driver "Roi Et Airport" and confirm the fare before boarding.
3. Pay in cash when you get off. The driver will signal when you're near the airport.
4. If the songthaew doesn't go directly to the airport, ask to be dropped at the Roi Et Bus Terminal (halfway point) and take a short tuk‑tuk ride (40–50 THB / $1.20–$1.50) for the remaining 2 km.

✅ Pros

• Cheapest option by far — less than a dollar for locals.
• Frequent service during daylight hours (every 15–20 minutes on main routes).
• Great way to travel like a local.

❌ Cons

• Limited luggage space — backpacks can go on your lap, but large suitcases are problematic.
• No fixed timetable — operates on a "fill‑up‑and‑go" basis.
• May require a transfer, which adds complexity if you're unfamiliar with the area.
• Not air‑conditioned — can be hot and dusty in dry season (March–May).
• No service after 9 PM.

🎯 Best For

Budget backpackers, day‑trippers with light luggage, and travelers who want to experience local life.

Source: Roi Et Provincial Transport Office — songthaew route map (2024); verified via local travel blogs TAT.

Several Roi Et hotels offer complimentary or low‑cost airport transfers. This is the most hassle‑free option — no bargaining, no app, no waiting.

💰 Price Range

• Free shuttle: Offered by hotels such as The Sakorn Hotel, Phorncharoen Hotel, and Khonrak Garden Hotel for guests booking direct.
• Paid shuttle (per room): 50–150 THB ($1.50–$4.50) for hotels that don't provide a free service.
• Private transfer (pre‑booked via hotel): 200–350 THB ($5.50–$10) — often a sedan with a driver.

⏱️ Travel Time

15–20 minutes — same as a taxi, but the driver waits for you at the lobby.

📋 How to Book

1. At check‑in (or the day before), ask the front desk: "Do you have an airport shuttle? What time does it leave?"
2. If free, reserve your seat (often requires 2‑hour advance notice).
3. If paid, the hotel will arrange a car and driver — payment is added to your bill or paid in cash to the driver.

✅ Pros

• Most convenient — no need to think about transport on departure day.
• Hotel staff assist with luggage and communicate with the driver.
• Timing is coordinated with your flight (hotels ask for your departure time).
• Often cheaper than a street taxi, especially if free.

❌ Cons

• Not all hotels offer this service — especially budget guesthouses and hostels.
• Free shuttles may have fixed departure times (e.g., 8 AM, 12 PM, 4 PM) that don't match your flight.
• Requires advance booking — last‑minute requests may be rejected.

🎯 Best For

Travelers staying at mid‑range or upscale hotels, families with children, and anyone who values convenience over cost.

Source: Hotel booking platforms (Agoda, Booking.com) — Roi Et property listings with shuttle details, verified March 2025.

If you plan to explore Roi Et province or neighboring cities (Maha Sarakham, Yasothon), renting a car gives you complete independence. You can drop the car at Roi Et Airport before your flight.

💰 Price Range

• Economy car (e.g., Toyota Vios, Honda City): 600–800 THB/day ($17–$23).
• SUV or pickup (e.g., Toyota Fortuner, Hilux): 1,000–1,500 THB/day ($28–$42).
• Fuel: 200–400 THB ($5.50–$11) for a week of local driving.
• One‑way drop‑off: Usually no extra fee if rented from a major company like Thai Rent a Car.

⏱️ Travel Time

15–25 minutes from hotel to airport — plus 15 minutes for return walk‑through and inspection at the rental office.

📋 How to Do It

1. Book online via Thai Rent a Car, Hertz, or local agencies at least 24 hours in advance.
2. Pick up the car at your hotel (many companies offer free delivery within Roi Et city) or at the airport.
3. Drive to the airport on the day of your flight. Follow Highway 2044 east — the airport is well‑signposted.
4. Return the car at the rental desk inside the airport terminal (ground floor, near check‑in counters).

✅ Pros

• Freedom to explore Roi Et's temples, markets, and countryside.
• Comfortable and private — especially valuable if traveling with a group.
• No need to wait for a taxi or tuk‑tuk.

❌ Cons

• Most expensive option for a single trip (unless you need the car for multiple days).
• Requires International Driving Permit (IDP) — not optional; police check at airport checkpoints.
• Thailand drives on the left — if you're not used to it, the short city‑to‑airport drive can be stressful.
• Insurance excess (deductible) can be 5,000–10,000 THB ($140–$280) if damage occurs.

🎯 Best For

Travelers planning a multi‑day road trip in Isan region, groups of 3–5 people, or those staying in remote hotels with no shuttle.

Source: Thai Rent a Car official rates for Roi Et branch, March 2025; Airports of Thailand — car rental services at regional airports.

1. Book your ride the night before for early flights

Roi Et is a small city, and taxis and tuk‑tuks are scarce before 6 AM. If your flight departs at 7 AM or earlier, arrange a hotel shuttle or book a GrabCar the night before. Many hotels have a list of trusted drivers who can be scheduled.

2. Keep small bills for tuk‑tuks and songthaews

Drivers rarely have change for 500‑ or 1,000‑baht notes. Carry 100‑baht bills and 20‑baht coins for fares. This is especially important for songthaews where the fare is just 30–60 THB.

3. Use Google Maps to show the airport

While most local drivers know the way, it helps to have "Roi Et Airport" displayed on Google Maps on your phone. The airport is small and easy to miss if you're not familiar with the area.

4. Allow extra time during Thai holidays

During Songkran (April 13–15) and Loy Krathong (November), traffic in Roi Et increases significantly. Road closures near temples can add 10–15 minutes. Leave 30 minutes earlier than usual.

5. Luggage storage at hotels

If you have a late flight but check out early, most Roi Et hotels hold luggage for free. This lets you explore the city (e.g., Wat Bueng Phlan Chai, Roi Et National Museum) before heading to the airport. Take a songthaew or tuk‑tuk back to the hotel to retrieve your bags, then grab a taxi to the airport.

6. The airport is tiny — don't arrive too early

Roi Et Airport has one small terminal with a few snack shops and limited seating. If you arrive 2+ hours early, you'll have little to do. Arriving 1–1.5 hours before domestic departure is plenty.

7. What about luggage delivery (Takkyubin)?

Roi Et does not have a luggage forwarding service like Yamato Transport. If you need to send bags ahead, consider renting a car or using a hotel shuttle to manage heavy luggage.

Sources: Community feedback from TAT Roi Et office; traveler reviews on TripAdvisor (Roi Et forum, 2023–2024).